Down Payment Assistance In Ukiah and Mendocino County

by Kasie Gray

Here are some down payment assistance programs and resources that someone could potentially use when purchasing a home in Ukiah, CA (Mendocino County), including local, county-level, and statewide options:

🏡 1. City of Ukiah First Time Home Buyer (FTHB) Program

What it does: Offers down payment assistance in the form of a low-interest second loan to help low-income first-time buyers purchase a home within the city limits of Ukiah. Funds are typically second-position loans at around 1% interest and may be deferred for many years. (City of Ukiah, CA)
Who this is for: First-time homebuyers (defined as not owning a home in the past three years) with income at or below 80% of Mendocino County’s Area Median Income. (City of Ukiah, CA)
Income and contribution: Buyer must provide at least a $1,000 down payment; the program helps fill the gap. (City of Ukiah, CA)

📌 Best for: Buyers who plan to live in Ukiah and meet local income and first-time homebuyer requirements.

🏘️ 2. Mendocino County CDC (Community Development Commission) Programs

Down Payment Assistance (DAP): The CDC is the housing authority for Mendocino County and offers various programs that may include down payment assistance for qualified buyers. (city.fortbragg.com)
Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC): Helps reduce federal income tax liability, freeing up money which can indirectly support affordability. (city.fortbragg.com)
HOME & CDBG Homeownership Assistance: County-level assistance funded through federal HOME and CDBG funds may include deferred loans or grants to help with down payment and closing costs. (city.fortbragg.com)

📌 Best for: Low- to moderate-income buyers county-wide who want broader assistance beyond just city limits.

🏦 3. California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) Programs

CalHFA offers several statewide programs that can help buyers anywhere in California, including Ukiah:

🔹 CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program

A deferred payment junior loan (no monthly payment) up to around 3–3.5% of the purchase price to help with down payment and closing costs. (CalHFA)
Works when combined with a CalHFA first mortgage program, like CalPLUS or FHA. (CalHFA)

🔹 “Dream For All” Shared Appreciation Program

A statewide down payment assistance loan offering up to 20% of a home’s purchase price (capped at around $150,000) for eligible first-time, first-generation homebuyers. (New York Post)
This program is reopening with limited application windows and uses a lottery system. (Reddit)
Funds are repaid (plus share of value increase) only when you refinance, sell, or pay off your mortgage. (New York Post)

📌 Best for: First-time and first-generation buyers needing significant assistance above typical down payment needs.

💰 4. GSFA (Golden State Finance Authority) Down Payment Assistance

These programs are available statewide — including for buyers in Mendocino County — via participating lenders: (Golden State Finance Authority)

🔹 GSFA Platinum or “Assist-to-Own” Program

Up to about 5.5% of your first mortgage loan amount toward down payment/closing costs. (Golden State Finance Authority)
Combination of a deferred second mortgage (no monthly payments while living in the home) + gift funds. (Golden State Finance Authority)

🔹 GSFA Golden Opportunities Program

Down payment help with a repayable second loan with monthly payments and optional gift portion. (Golden State Finance Authority)

📌 Best for: Buyers (including repeat and non-first-time buyers) with qualifying credit who need support with down payment and closing costs.

🧑‍🌾 5. Other Local & Community Options

Tribal member programs: If you’re an enrolled member of a tribe served by the Northern Circle Indian Housing Authority, there may be home buyer assistance (including down payment) specific to tribal members. (nciha.org)
Self-Help Housing (RCHDC / USDA): Programs like self-help housing can dramatically reduce or eliminate traditional down payments by having participants directly help build homes — usually paired with USDA and low-interest loans. (RCH - Ukiah, CA 2026)
RCU: DreamStart Home Loan -

5/5 ARM with flexible repayment term. Our 5/5 adjustable rate mortgage allows you to spread your loan over the course of up to 40 years. This means lower monthly payments to help you afford the home you love.

🧠 Next Steps / Tips

✔ Contact the City of Ukiah Housing Services to check current FTHB program availability and applications. (City of Ukiah, CA)
✔ Call or visit the Community Development Commission of Mendocino County for countywide assistance and MCC options. (city.fortbragg.com)
✔ Speak with a CalHFA-approved lender to see what CalHFA (MyHome, Dream For All) or GSFA options you qualify for — down payment assistance often requires working through participating lenders. (CalHFA)
✔ Look into homebuyer education and counseling (often required for assistance) — many programs will require it.

I am here to help guide you along the way! Please reach out and let's schedule a free 10 minute phone call to see what your next steps look like!